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Archive for Emerging Leaders

The Good, the Bad, and the Bluth

Wednesday, December 28th, 2011

94462271Television and movies offer us an “out” from the normal day-to-day grind. One of the first things many people do when they get off work is turn on the TV. It is a medium to help shed the scales we accrued during a long day filled with meetings, past-due projects, and the struggle of balancing employer/employee relationships. The most ironic aspect of TV and movies is they are supposed to help us forget about our lives for 30 minutes to an hour and a half, but shows often implement the work environment into their scripts. Due to this reoccurring theme, let’s take a look at a few bosses from TV and movies to see which pitfalls to avoid and certain aspects that may be beneficial.
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Is Your Company Prepared To Lose Its “Steve Jobs?”

Tuesday, September 6th, 2011

RL090711Upon announcing that he was stepping down as Apple’s top boss, Steve Jobs, the man once named Fortune Magazine’s CEO of the Decade, ignited wide-ranging speculation about the future of one of the most innovative and respected companies in the world.

Jobs has been the creative mastermind behind many industry-defining products and services since he helped establish the company in 1976 with the release of the Apple I personal computer. Now, 35 years later, many have wondered what a Steve Jobs-less Apple, Inc. will look like and if it will continue to maintain its innovative edge.

Following the initial news that Jobs would be leaving, details of an extensive succession plan that has been developed over the last few years emerged and have helped to reassure industry analysts, investors, and consumers that Apple isn’t going to be left high and dry.

The news of Jobs’ departure has also been a catalyst for many companies to take a closer look at their own succession plans. Is your business prepared to respond to the blow dealt by the exit of your top brass? Are there other important leaders within your company who would create a significant rift if they decide to leave?

Succession planning is a vital part of ensuring the future viability of a company, and it’s a process you can start by taking a few important first steps now.
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Family Business Advice You Can’t Refuse

Friday, July 15th, 2011

109840527Running a business is no simple task in and of itself, but add in a family member or two and you put yourself in a situation that can be both rewarding and frustrating. And, nowhere else is this dichotomy more evident than in the world of one of Hollywood’s most infamous family of “businessmen” – the Corleone’s. Whether you’re starting a new family business or stepping up as the next generation of leadership in an established company, there are some lessons to be learned from the words of some of the key characters in the Godfather trilogy.

“…and if I ever need any guidance, who’s a better consiglieri than my father?” -Michael Corleone
Even after they’ve retired, older generations of family business leaders can serve as valuable consultants. They have years of experience behind them and will be able to offer advice on many of the challenges the new generation of leaders encounter. This “been there, done that” experience is especially important immediately following a transition of power in order to maintain productivity and to reassure the company’s employees that the business is in good hands.
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“The greatest compliment ever paid me was when one asked what I thought, and attended to my answer.” – Henry David Thoreau

Leadership-Communication-SilenceI present in front of groups for a living and, as you can imagine, in order to be successful, among other things, I have to like talking. My father must have witnessed my love for talking when I was a kid because, one day he pulled me aside and said, “Jay, the Lord gave you two ears and only one mouth. Try to use them in the correct proportion.” I have heard this a few times since but never more clearly than at a recent seminar. The presenter’s topic was listening and she shared a technique that worked for her, and I now practice the same thing.

Hanging in my office, on a shelf just above the phone, is a sticky note that has three letters on it: S U J. It stands for, “Shut Up Jay.” It is a simple reminder that as much as I value my own opinion, I can learn a whole lot more listening to the other person. Read More→

tough-conversationsLike the common cold, we’ve all had them at one time or another – the dreaded tough conversation. Just like telling someone you like them – or don’t – in high school, difficult conversations with your employees can be awkward and uncomfortable. Just the thought of having a tough conversation can make your palms sweat, your stomach ache, and your mouth go dry. And, the longer you put them off, the worse they get.

Unless you’re the rare individual who enjoys grueling altercations, being the bearer of bad news probably isn’t your favorite part of the job. But, sometimes it’s just that – part of the job. As a leader, there are times you have to address issues with employee performance and engagement. Read More→

The Myth of Multitasking

Friday, July 2nd, 2010

multitaskingMultitasking has become a nearly ubiquitous term on résumés and cover letters and in job interviews and performance reviews. It’s even become a prerequisite for many job seekers and an unstated requirement for employees facing the pressures of a reduced workforce. But is multitasking all it’s cracked up to be?

The basic thought behind placing a positive emphasis on multitasking in the workplace is that the ability to do more than one thing at a time is a boon to productivity – supposedly. Most employers assume that people who are great at multitasking are effective and productive individuals.
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Leadership Starts with You: Taking Charge of Your Finances

Monday, June 28th, 2010

savings_bank1No matter your title, position, or tenure, you can be a leader. But, before you can successfully lead others, you need to be able to lead yourself, and that includes the area of personal finances. Despite what some may tell you, you do have the ability to control your finances. The power lies with you.

If you always view your finances as out of your control, then your spending will always be out of control. But, if you take charge of what you have, plan ahead, and do what’s best for your long-term goals, you can feel confident and secure in your current and future financial state.
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Curiosity May Have Killed the Cat, but it Makes Great Leaders!

Friday, June 25th, 2010

catI have never claimed to be a “cat person,” but curiosity is just something cats seem to naturally posses, and it doesn’t seem fair for it to lead to their untimely demise. They are cute, after all, and part of what makes them cute is their interest in everything around them.

Webster’s defines cu•ri•os•i•ty: \ˌkyu̇r-ē-ˈä-s(ə-)tē\ noun – as a desire to know, an inquisitive interest in others’ concerns. Now, that doesn’t sound like it would kill you, does it? Unfortunately, that is the way a lot of managers treat the idea of curiosity. I hear things like, “It’s not professional” or “It’s best not to get too attached.” You can almost hear the turnover happening in these businesses.
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BrainstormingAs the saying goes, you either lead the market or chase it. How does your team respond to the changes the business world brings each day? Do they look to case studies or seek to create them? Do they see challenges as obstacles or opportunities?

As history shows, companies that are willing to invest in innovation and lead the market are often rewarded. But, interjecting creative, fresh ideas into the workplace isn’t always easy. How do you know which ideas will work? And, how do you develop great ideas to begin with? You can add more creativity to your workplace by seeking the input of your team through brainstorming. Try these seven secrets for effective brainstorming.
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Famous Office Foxes (And What You Can Learn From Them)

Thursday, April 22nd, 2010

fox90With a keen sense for facts and information, the fantastic office Fox is a highly analytical and perceptive leader. He behaves and acts on ration and logic. Cunning and resourceful, in the wilds of the workplace, he’s aware of every looming obstacle, trap, and pitfall. But, with so many details and statistics to consider, the office Fox can be skeptical and pessimistic, with a tendency to over-analyze and ignore his gut feelings and natural intuition. A perfectionist who’s task-focused and inflexible, the office Fox can also be antisocial. And, his ability to outfox his co-workers is often intimidating.

If you’re a Fox, or work for someone who is, watch these famous office Foxes in action for an up-close and personal look at their untamed leadership style.
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